CMT ramps up originals

Cabler announces fresh programming at its upfront

CMT announced a slew of fresh original programming at its upfront presentation on Tuesday, including a reality show from “The Voice” winner Cassadee Pope.

Cabler has also forged a News & Docs division that will cover topical stories.

“We’re ramping up for what promises to be a monster year for CMT,” said Jayson Dinsmore, exec veep of programming and development at the net. “These new series and initiatives represent a bolder, louder direction for the network, and one that aligns perfectly with our largest initiative to date, the first-time Sunday night premiere of ‘Dog and Beth: On the Hunt.’ ”

Dismore added that News & Docs will “tell larger, more in-depth stories from some of the world’s greatest storytellers.”

In addition to the untitled project with Pope, CMT has greenlit “The Dirty South” from “Jersey Shore” exec producer SallyAnn Salsano and her 495 Prods., a southern version of the “G.T.L.” ratings hit on MTV; “Hillbillies for Hire” from Leftfield Prods., which centers on a custom prank shop in Polk County, Fla; and “Cops Reloaded,” a best of “Cops” compilation which CMT acquired from Fox and will bow on March 25.